Ben Simmons shines in NBA playoffs debut as Philadelphia 76ers open with victory

Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons, right, of Australia, dunks during the first half in Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Miami Heat, Saturday, April 14, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

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PHILADELPHIA — Ben Simmons developed the reputation as a quiet player during his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers. When he has something to say, teammate JJ Redick said, it usually means something.

Ben Simmons talks about first playoff game with Philadelphia 76ers

Before Simmons made NBA postseason debut Saturday night, though, Redick said there was something different about the young player. Redick had never seen Simmons so demonstrative before a game, and it was a preview of things to come.

In the third quarter, Simmons got isolated on Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic, crossed him over and threw down a slam. When he landed, Simmons flexed and let out a yell. It was the signature play of a sparkling playoffs debut. Simmons finished with 17 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds, and the Sixers took a 1-0 lead on the Heat with a 130-103 win.

[?] GET OUT THE WAY pic.twitter.com/y5nLNFqQ9O

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 15, 2018

Afterward, Simmons downplayed things a little bit.

“I’m ready to play the next game,” he said. “I felt good, but I’m not satisfied. I’m looking forward to the next game.”

Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft who missed last year with injuries, showcased his wide variety of skills. He zipped passes through the Heat defense and manipulated them easily at times. At one point, Simmons faked a handoff to Redick, who drew a double team. The Heat left an open path for Simmons to drive to the hoop.

Saturday night was the type of stage the Sixers expected Simmons to excel at. With Joel Embiid out and Markelle Fultz coming along slowly, Simmons was the face of the Sixers’ first playoff win since 2012.

“It’s just awesome to see,” Redick said. “I expected him to rise to the moment, and I’ll expect him to do that in Game 2. But he was awesome tonight. I love when he shows emotion, too. It’s great to see. He’s just got a quiet cockiness about his game that I love.”

Simmons is the only rookie in NBA history to have 17, 14 and nine in a game. His 14 assists were the most by a rookie since Spud Webb dished out 18 in 1986. Simmons’ point-assist double-double was the first by a rookie in Sixers history, and he was the first in the NBA to accomplish that feat since Derrick Rose in 2009.

The Australian is already showing he can be a historic figure. And with his first postseason game under his belt, Simmons has a better idea of what to expect in Game 2.

He can’t let up, he said, especially against the Heat. And if he doesn’t, he can keep having the same level of success.

“For somebody like me, I just need to come in, stay with my routine, and lock in,” Simmons said. “I think lock in is the biggest thing for me.”